This animation shows an elevation map of West Virginia's Mud River watershed before and after mountaintop mining became widespread.

A new Kickstarter project wants to give schools around the world the ability to easily create accurate 3D-printed topographical maps.

“Whether you are a seasoned explorer or a casual hiker, the new USGS maps are a game-changer for recreational activities,” says Ariel Doumbouya, a USGS geographer and product lead.